Free Republic

Then 30, Harris was dating 60-year-old Willie Brown, at the time the Democratic speaker of the California State Assembly, when he placed her on the California Medical Assistance Commission in 1994. The position paid over $70,000 per year, $120,700 in current money, and Harris served on the board until 199 Brown’s decision to appoint Harris raised eyebrows in political circles. “Both boards are reserved for political payback or occasionally for personal rewards for personal service,” said Brett Granlund, a former California Republican state assemblyman who worked closely with the commission while Harris was on the board. “The boards are considered...

Carolyn Carpeneti, Mayor Willie Brown's fund-raiser and mother of his 2-year-old daughter, has been paid at least $2.33 million over the past five years by nonprofit groups and political committees controlled by the mayor and his allies, public records show. The relationship intensified after Brown was elected. ... According to people who know them, then-Assembly Speaker Brown met her at a party during the 1995 mayor's race. Brown, who is married but has been separated from his wife for 25 years, was dating lawyer Kamala Harris, now a candidate for district attorney. Nevertheless, Brown soon phoned Carpeneti and invited her...